Desmond Cory is a pseudonym used by British mystery/thriller writer Shaun Lloyd McCarthy (Lancing, Sussex, 16 February 1928 – Marbella, Spain 31 January 2001) Desmond Cory wrote over 45 novels, including the creation of serial characters such as Johnny Fedora, a debonair British secret agent. Cory also wrote screenplays for Graham Greene novels (such as England Made Me) and had a number of his own novels appear on the big-screen and in TV thriller series. Desmond Cory is arguably one of Britain's most prolific thriller writers. His writing spans over 40 years, during which time he used up to three different pen names, such was the demand for his work. Academics cover his works in such books as British Mystery and Thriller Writers Since 1940, and Detecting Men: A Reader's Guide and Checklist for Mystery Series Written By Men.